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Summary

E is for Ethics considers twenty-six values – for example, generosity, loyalty, gratitude, courage, honesty, empathy, sincerity, patience, responsibility, kindness – and provides a one or two-page read-aloud story to illustrate each attribute. Intended for parents (or grandparents) to share with children, each story ends with discussion questions such as “How would you act if you found out that a friend had cheated?”, “How can being responsible make you a better friend?”, “How can Elliott show his integrity?” and “Have you ever had to convince someone that you were sincere?”
The stories feature two young children, Lucy and Elliott, based on the author’s own children. (After creating the stories, the author “tested” them by reading them aloud to his children.)
The stories are very engaging, upbeat and positive, as are R.A. Holt’s illustrations.
The book was written because, in the author’s words, “teaching children ethics, values and morals is a real challenge for parents today”. Ian Corlett’s stories really do provide enjoyable and informal opportunities to discuss morals and values.
The author is an award-winning children’s TV writer who has created many popular children’s series and lives in Vancouver and Palm Springs, California. (He notes that he is well-qualified to write this book because he is a POD – a Plain Old Dad!)